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If you love to drive, have the physical capacity to load and unload goods, and possess good customer service skills, a job as a truck driver just might be up your alley.

Before embarking upon such a career, however, you’ll likely want to find out certain aspects about the job, such as how much you can expect to make in an average year.

There is no simple answer to this question since lots of different factors have to be taken into the equation. But, as you’ll see over the course of this article, there are things within your control that can help you increase your salary within the industry.

Size matters

One of the factors that will determine how much you pull in as a truck driver is the type of truck you drive.

On the one hand, if you become a heavy truck driver (which would require you both to travel inside of cities and also across borders into other regions), you can make the national average of $39,830 annually, or $19 an hour.

On the other hand, if you become a light truck driver, which will probably necessitate driving to numerous places each day inside a specific area, you could bring in the national average of $33,120 annually, or $15.92 an hour.

It’s what you know

It should come as no surprise that your level of experience in the industry will increase your earning potential. Case in point: You can earn between $12 and $17 an hour as a trucker with a class C license – and climbing the pay scale is largely a matter of gaining on-the-job experience.

Where you’re at matters

Where you work will also play a role in determining your earning potential in the truck business. According to research, the best states to work in as a truck driver are Alaska ($48,250 average salary) and Nevada ($46,470 average salary), while Ontario and British Colombia have similar high numbers. Other provinces with better-than-average pay include Alberta and Quebec.

In Canada, full-time truck drivers earned an average of $22.64 per hour in 2014, which means that such workers pulled in around $49,000 annually.

Making it on your own

You can earn more by being your own boss than by working for someone else, but there are costs associated with being independent. For instance, you’ll be responsible for licensing costs, fuel, maintenance fees, benefits and other things that a company would traditionally provide for its workers.

However, those who do decide to independently employ themselves can find great financial relief in leasing a transport truck instead of purchasing one flat out. This will decrease your initial investment, making it an easier transition for drivers to make.

As you can see, the type of truck you drive, your experience level, where you live and whether you work for yourself or for another company are just some of the factors that will influence what you make in the industry. While money isn’t everything, it is nonetheless important. So know where you stand, get what you’re worth and pursue a potentially rewarding career as a trucker.